The best things to do in Philadelphia this weekend

Happy Friday! Below are some of our favorite things to do in the Philadelphia area this weekend. We put out new Philly weekend plans for you every week, so you’ll always have something to do on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

You can always find our favorite activities of the weekend at inquirer.com/things-to-do. Have an event you’d like to feature in the Inquirer? Submit an event to our calendar.

(Community) No one loves the Starman quite like the City of Brotherly Love. Celebrate all things Davie Bowie alongside other Bowie lovers at a variety of events across the city. The full event lineup offers everything from movie screenings to karaoke and quizzo.

⌚️Through Jan. 11, 📍Various Locations, 🌐 phillylovesbowie.wordpress.com, 💵 Varies

(Music) Bring in the Year of the Snake this Lunar New Year with a stunning concert performed by the Philadelphia Orchestra. This performance will celebrate diverse musical expressions by combining classical and traditional sounds.

⌚️Jan. 10, 8p.m., 📍300 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19102, 🌐 philorch.ensembleartsphilly.org, 💵 Varies

(Art / Community) Join Cherry Street Pier’s resident artist Walls for Justice to paint with a twist. An artist will lead you through a guided group painting session to help you unleash your inner creativity. Your ticket comes with a complimentary drink, so be sure to RSVP in advance to secure a spot.

⌚️ Jan. 10, 6-8p.m., 📍121 N. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, Pa, 19106, 🌐 cherrystreetpier.com, 💵 Free

(Community) The temperatures may be dropping in Philly but the vibes are warming up at this Island themed beer festival. Your ticket gets you access to more than 50 brews to sample from local vendors, live entertainment and an island-themed a la carte food menu.

⌚️ Jan. 11, 12p.m., 📍23 E. Lancaster Ave., Ardmore, Pa, 19003, 🌐 tixr.com, 💵$55-99

(Community) Philly’s annual celebration of all things cars is back for another year. Dozens of car brands are participating, so stop by to get a close up of everything from the most exotic rides to classic vintage cars. Not to mention, the 60,000 square foot e-track gives you the chance to ride in select electric vehicles from a variety of brands.

⌚️Jan. 11-20, 📍12th & Arch St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19107, 🌐 phillyautoshow.com, 💵 $12-20

(Community) A New Year is the perfect time to infuse your life with a little more zen. This afterhours spa experience includes a detox elixr, a sound mix inflused with healing frequencies, writing prompts, organic refreshments and an optional heated night swim.

⌚️Jan. 11, 7-10p.m., 📍1439 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19102, 🌐 wphiladelphia.ipoolside.com, 💵 $44

(Community) Celebrate the start to a fresh year with an epic dance party. This party merges retro and high energy beats and kicks off in the early evening to make for the perfect early night. You’ll dance to everything from Whitney Houston to J.lo and be home in time for your full bedtime routine.

⌚️Jan. 11, 6-10p.m., 📍215 S. 15th St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19102, 🌐 matineedanceparty.com, 💵 $15

(Community) Nothing says winter time like skating right alongside the Delaware River. The rink is reopening for the 2024-2025 winter season. Come skate, grab delicious hot chocolate, play games and make winter memories at the waterfront.

⌚️Nov. 29, 2024 - Mar. 2, 2025, 📍101 S. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, Pa, 19106, 🌐 delawareriverwaterfront.com, 💵 Varies

(Community) Longwood Gardens is transforming into a winter wonderland for the holiday season. Take in a dazzling display of floating floral designs, stunning trees, bold blooms and more. Brand new spaces will be revealed this year offering even more chances to take in astonishing feats of horticulture and creativity.

⌚️Nov. 22 - Jan. 12, 2025, 📍1001 Longwood Rd., Kennett Square, Pa, 19348, 🌐 longwoodgardens.org, 💵 $8-42

When did New Year’s Eve turn into a celebration for kids? In Philly, it might have something to do with the Please Touch Museum’s lively daytime bashes and the early fireworks over the Delaware River. From confetti drops to superhero-themed fun, there’s plenty to keep little ones entertained before bedtime.

(Space / outdoors / multi-day) At Abington Art Center, “An Enchanted Night Walk Amongst the Stars” creates celestial magic through a walkable, hour-long light and music show on a 27-acre campus. Note: The path is not wheelchair accessible. Bundle up! All ages.

⌚Most Thursdays-Sundays through January 31, 5-8:30 p.m., 📍525 Meetinghouse Rd., Jenkintown, PA 19046, 🌐 astralumina.com, 💵 $30-$39

(Seasonal / free / multi-day) For two more weekends, Peddler’s Village in Bucks County keeps the holiday lights glowing and adds fire breathers, jugglers, ice carvers, sculptures, and a “Jack Frost” scavenger hunt to brighten the winter. All ages.

⌚January 10-11, 17-18, 4-8 p.m., 📍Rtes. 202 & 263, Lahaska, PA 18931, 🌐 peddlersvillage.com, 💵 Free entry

(Cars / multi-day) At the PA Convention Center, even the youngest car enthusiasts can climb into dozens of display vehicles and enjoy a drivable toy track. Features include new models and vintage cars (look but don’t touch). Ages 3 and up.

⌚January 11-20, times vary, 📍12th and Arch Sts., Philadelphia, PA 19107, 🌐 phillyautoshow.com, 💵 $12-$20

(Outdoors) At Dilworth Park, kids can skate at City Hall’s rink while creating capes, masks, and their own superhero identities. Free face-painting included! Ages 3-10.

⌚January 11, 1:30-3 p.m., 📍1 S. 15th St., Philadelphia, PA 19102, 🌐 centercityphila.org, 💵 $7-$9 to skate; $10 to rent skates

(Music / free) At The Lounge at World Cafe Live, the School District of Philadelphia’s MIC’d Up program connects young musicians with a youth house band for an inspiring afternoon jam session. Ages 8 and up.

⌚January 11, noon; doors open at 9:30 a.m., 📍3025 Walnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19104, 🌐 worldcafelive.org, 💵 Free with RSVP

(Musical / multi-day) Arden Theatre presents an interactive adaptation of J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan, featuring fairy dust, beloved characters, and plenty of joy. Directed by Whit MacLaughlin. Ages 6-12.

⌚November 27-January 19, times vary, 📍40 N. 2nd St., Philadelphia, PA 19106, 🌐 ardentheatre.org, 💵 $25-$46

(Outdoors / multi-day) Penn’s Landing welcomes winter fun with a skating rink, fire pits, cabins, arcade games, and snacks. Construction is ongoing, but the venue remains a must-visit for winter break. Ages 4 and up to skate.

⌚November 29-March 2, 11 a.m.-9 p.m., 📍101 S. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19106, 🌐 delawareriverwaterfront.com, 💵 $5 to skate, $12 to rent skates

(Seasonal) City Hall’s front yard transforms for winter with the foliage and light-filled Wintergarden, a festive makers market, and an ice-skating rink (weather permitting). All ages.

⌚November 15-February 23 (rink; through March 9 for Wintergarden), 📍1 S. 15th St., Philadelphia, PA 19102, 🌐 centercityphila.org, 💵 Free (Wintergarden), $7-$9 to skate; $10 to rent skates

(Community / multiday) Can you teach toddlers and elementary school-age kids empathy? It’s certainly worth trying. The Please Touch Museum’s visiting exhibit aims to help children express feelings and understand others’ through lightbox silhouette-making, playing with empathy blocks, and negotiating a seesaw. Ages 2-10.

⌚September 27-January 12, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., closed Tuesdays,📍4231 Ave. of the Republic, Philadelphia, Pa, 19131, 🌐 pleasetouchmuseum.org , 💵$22, $2 ACCESS cardholder

(Science / multiday) Animatronic dinos from chillier climes, like the fearsome, feathered Troodon raptors, represent Late Cretaceous creatures who inhabited the Arctic. Hands-on exhibits show off ice-proof teeth and eggs at the Academy of Natural Sciences. Ages 2 and up.

⌚September 28-May 4, 📍1900 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy., Philadelphia, Pa. 19103, 🌐 ansp.org, 💵 $16-$22, $2 ACCESS cardholder, free under age 2